The economy is on of the US voters’ main issues. A new poll finds who Americans trust more on the economy between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
As the electoral campaign for the 2024 US elections begins its hottest phase, both candidates fight to convince voters they will handle the economy better than the other. The economy is one of the most important issues for US voters of any party, especially in regard to inflation, GDP growth, and unemployment.
A poll conducted by the Financial Times and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business has revealed the sentiments of American voters towards the current candidates about the economy.
According to the poll, 41% of voters believe Republican candidate Donald Trump handled the economy better than Joe Biden, the current US President. However, 42% of voters think Democratic candidate Kamala Harris would do a better job than Trump on the economy.
The feeling toward Joe Biden is mostly related to inflation, the poll finds. Under the Biden administration, prices in the United States soared more than 20%. The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to their 23-year high to battle inflation, which is finally almost under control.
At the same time, however, the US economy experienced mammoth growth with President Biden. His trillion-dollar investments into the economy to rebound the COVID crisis caused double-digit GDP growth, in some quarters even outpacing China.
Moreover, unemployment reached its record low at 3.7% and remained below 4% for the longest period since the Vietnam War.
Communicating trust
Unfortunately for Biden, his administration failed to communicate its economic achievements. Before the current president dropped out of the presidential race, Donald Trump was far ahead of him in voters’ trust.
However, it seems Harris gave new life to the Democratic campaign and renewed voters’ expectations. Harris acknowledged the price soar under Biden’s term, but promised more focus on the middle class if elected president. “Trump weakens our economy to strengthen his own hand,” Harris said at a rally in Michigan, criticizing Trump’s plan to cut tax for the ultra-rich and big companies.
Another point in Harris’ camp is the fact most Midwest swing states, which will decide the 2024 elections, experienced less economic hardship than average during the Biden administration.
Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, saw milder inflation during the Biden years, while also enjoying billions in industrial investments from the government. Josh Shapiro, the current Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, enjoys a 50% approval in the state. Only 35% of Pennsylvania voters disapprove of Shapiro’s term as governor.
According to Kevin Madden, a Republican campaign strategist, Harris will face harsher criticism about the economy going forward. “The challenge for Harris going forward will be shedding that incumbency label and distinguishing her views on tackling inflation and a softening labor market.”
